Mouse droppings

The Hantavirus is an infection that can cause what is known as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. HPS is a severe respiratory disease in humans that can be fatal. Individuals are at an increased risk of catching HPS due to encounters with mice. Rodents can carry the Hantavirus and exposure to humans will result in transmission of the disease.

In Canada and the United States, the deer mouse is the carrier of the Sin Nombre virus which is a type of Hantavirus and the top cause of HPS cases. Deer mice carry the virus and shed it via their urine, droppings and salvia. The main way that humans contract the virus is by breathing air that has been contaminated. Airborne transmission occurs when fresh urine, mouse droppings or materials from their nests are stirred up. Droplets containing the virus go into the air and then are breathed in by humans.

There are many ways that a mouse can spread the Hantavirus to humans. If the infected mouse were to bite a human, then the virus would spread via saliva. However, this transmission type is rare. Researchers feel that if humans touch something that is contaminated with mouse droppings, urine or saliva then they will be infected if they then touch their mouth or nose.

Researchers also feel that individuals can catch the virus if they were to eat food that had been contaminated as well. This could happen as mice tend to raid kitchen cabinets. If an individual were to eat something that had touched droppings, urine or saliva, then the infection could occur.

Primary risk for exposure occurs when you find mice in the home. If you notice mice are running around your home, or you see droppings or chew signs of mice, contact the experts. You need to have the mice removed in case they are infected with the Hantavirus. Consider this. Three mice are living in your home and are infected with the Hantavirus. They are living in the walls and attic space, leaving behind urine and droppings. You go to clean the attic and begin sweeping up the mess you find. This can lead to particles in the air that contain the virus and you are instantly infected.

To avoid catching the Hantavirus which leads to HPS in humans, be sure to have an expert team come to your home and evaluate your mouse problem. Once the issue has been discovered, a plan can be created to remove the mice and help you reclaim your home. Wildlife technicians will be able to suggest options for cleaning up after the mice have been removed to avoid any contamination of the virus so you and your family remain healthy and safe.

To learn more about the Hantavirus and mice removal, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. With years of experience in animal removal, Skedaddle will be able to assist you with any mouse problem, no matter how big or small. Schedule an appointment to have your home evaluated or to find out the common signs of a mouse infestation in the home.

Finding droppings in the home is never fun. You know when you see feces in the home that there is some type of critter running loose. But is it a mouse or a rat? Either is not good to have in the home but it is important to determine which creature is inhabiting your home so you can take the appropriate measures for removal. Learn the difference between mouse droppings and rat droppings below as well as other signs to look for to know what type of infestation you may be facing.

Mouse Droppings

One of the most common forms of feces found in the home from pests is mouse droppings. Mice leave their feces behind when they are on the move and you will find such droppings in areas like garages, kitchens and the basement. The feces will be dark in color, black in most cases, and scatter about. The feces is small and comes in a pellet form in an oblong shape.

Rat Droppings

Taking a look at rat droppings, you will see something different. When a rat leaves behind feces, it will be thicker and many times shorter than mouse feces. Rat droppings may appear bigger and in larger clumps.

Behavior of the Pest

It is also good to learn the behavior of mice and rats to tell the difference in your infestation. You have already noticed poop so now you can be on the lookout for behavior. Rats will be cautious while mice are curious. If you have seen a creature running about your home, it is most likely a mouse. Rats will stay hidden until the coast is clear.

Food

Mice and rats both like food. No matter what type of infestation you have, either creature is going to get into the food you have in the kitchen or items you may leave out. Rats like to eat grains and meats and are known to burrow near vegetation and buildings. With mice, they tend to create a hidden home near the food. Mice normally stay near the garbage cans and kitchen area. Mice will commonly enter cupboard areas and gnaw on foods in the cabinets. Each creature will normally come out at night to avoid bright lights in a room or the sunshine.

Getting Rid of Mice

Once you know that you have a mice problem, you will need to contact wildlife control. Wildlife control experts will be able to evaluate your issue and make the appropriate plans to remove the creatures. Humane measures will be taken to have the mice removed from your home so you will once again be creature free.

Once removed, suggestions will be made for cleanup and sanitation. Mice can leave behind health concerns and insulation or wiring may need to be repaired, among other issues. The wildlife technician will help you with this as well as secure the home to prevent re-entry in the future. All entry points will be sealed to ensure that such creatures cannot enter the home. Deodorization techniques are used and will mask any hormonal scents that might attract mice back to your property.

Have mice removed from your home by contacting Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control or simply contact the company to learn more about pest infestations and what you can do to avoid such issues in your home.